Pak Speaker a hit at C’wealth meet
Kuala Lumpur, Aug. 7: Pakistan’s first woman Speaker, Dr Fehmida Mirza, caught the attention of one and all at the ongoing 54th Commonwealth Parlia-mentary Conference in Kuala Lumpur because of her close resemblance to her mentor and former Pakistan Premier Benazir Bhutto.
With her Bhutto-like looks, Ms Mirza had to repeatedly explain to people that she was not related to the former Pakistani Prime Minister.
"Yes, a lot of people have told me that I look like Benazir. I think it is a compliment. People in my constituency seem to think so. I take it as a compliment and sometimes I take advantage of it," nstonline quoted Ms Mirza as saying with a laugh.
Recalling that Ms Bhutto had introduced her to politics in 1997, Ms Mirza said: "Benazir Bhutto is an inspiration to all of us. I feel that what I am today is because of her struggles."
Trained as a doctor, 51-year-old Mirza has been a member of the National Assembly for three consecutive terms from 1997. Presently, she is a member of the ruling Pakistan People’s Party that emerged as the single largest party in February 18 general elections. She made history in March when she became her country’s first woman Speaker.
She said being the first woman Speaker in her country was an honour which carried with it heavy responsibilities.
"It’s a big challenge," she said. —AFP